On the fast track to success
DAINFERN - South African motor racing prodigy, Kelvin van der Linde (18) has won Driver of the Year at the 2014 International Automobile Federation's Young Driver Excellence Academy.
In a graduation ceremony at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, the Grade 12 Dainfern College pupil was presented with a trophy and certificate at the culmination of a seven-month programme that included five different workshops attended by 10 young racing drivers from eight countries. Van der Linde was the official representative of the African continent.
According to the academy, Van der Linde impressed not only with his speed on the circuit but with his willingness and enthusiasm to engage with the academy programme, which is aimed at developing and improving motor sport safety and sustainability, and promotes excellence and achievement in all areas of motor sport.
Van der Linde was thrilled to be named Academy Driver of the Year and is excited to continue implementing the lessons he has learnt. “I came here to the Academy] with an open mind, ready to learn and gave it my best,” he said. “It’s great to win and receive this trophy but the real work starts now.”
That work includes a return to the real world and catching up on his matric prelims at Dainfern College.
“While a motor sport career is what I have chosen for myself, I realise the value of completing my school education, and intend to achieve as good a matric result as I can,” he said.
